Shortening a rod by cutting off some of the butt below the reel seat

[6poundtest]

Anyone ever done it? Does it affect the rod dynamics or action in a bad way? I'm thinking of doing it to the B&M TCB, as I'm just not liking the long tail below the reel seat. I'm thinking about 2" shorter would eliminate the butt slapping against my arm on the cast. When I cast, I'm usually sitting down and casting one handed and it slaps my arm every time; it's getting annoying. I like the handling of the rod while playing and landing a fish, it's just the casting that is getting to me.

Alternatively, it could just remain a trolling rod out the back, I suppose. Today had a lot of casting as there was quite a bit of gunk floating on the surface and fouling my trolling lines while rowing around. I ended up casting quite a bit with 3 different poles with 3 different baits and the TCB began to get on my nerves. I know I'd have to get a knob of some sort on the end but I'm sure I can figure something out for that.

[DockShootinJack]

It may effect the balance since you would be removing mass behind the reel. It should not affect the action of the rod at all

[deathb4disco]

I think you’d be ruining a nice rod.

Sell it and get a rod you like better.

[dbowling]

You could always tape some quarters to back up grip to get the same balance you had before.. used to put few in a film canister and slid up on butt and tape onto get a perfectly balanced rod.

[stormcloud]

If the tape doesn't hold you could always try baling wire. Another thing you might try is buy another rod you like and use that one for something else.

[DockShootinJack]

If the tape doesn't hold you could always try baling wire. Another thing you might try is buy another rod you like and use that one for something else.

That rod deserves heat shrink tubing. Make it look semi professional

[pescador]

I would try the two hand cast, very accurate with practice. Good luck


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[Rojo]

I do it all the time. No Problem. I have previously posted pictures on this forum, works great.

[BJH]

I have cut all my W.M. 8 ftrs. two inches behind the reel seat ... Can't stand a long grip for same reason as you. Plus i like a rear seat!

[Rojo]

I have numerous W.M. SOLO poles and the tip action is great for single pole fishing where you have to deal with a lot of boat wakes. The tips are very forgiving of movement. That being said the W.M. SIGNATURE poles really pick a heavy crappie up out of the Trash. In 14ft I have cut the handles off of several leaving just enough butt to stick in a rod holder for a minute if needed. Winter fishing, these rods are the bomb, they pull big Pigs up before they can ruin the spot. Also I like BPS Crappie Maxx Mighty Lites, the Silver 12 footers have a machined aluminum butt cap and when I shortened them I just chucked up the cap, turned it down to fit the smaller diameter of the blank where it was cut, and glued it right back in. Even the B&M BGJP I have 14's & 16's cut down for winter fishing with 10# Slick 8 and micro jigs, you never notice the difference but appreciate not having the long rod butt to deal with. Grizzly Jig makes jig poles with different butt lengths. I bought some Ferrell joints from The Mud Hole to make my own interchangeable butt sections but commercial ferrells are not made to work on the "Butt" end of a rod.